Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee has tear in flexor tendon in elbow

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee has a tear in the common flexor tendon in his left elbow, according to CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury.

Author:
SI Wire
Publish date:
Mar 10, 2015

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee has a tear in the common flexor tendon in his left elbow, according to CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury.

MLB.com's Todd Zolecki said the Phillies are "not terribly optimistic" about Lee recovering from the injury, but that the 36-year-old will try throwing through it.

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Lee received a second opinion on his elbow from Dr. James Andrews after experiencing discomfort after throwing two innings in his spring debut last week.

If he cannot continue pitching through the injury, Lee would need surgery requiring a six-to-eight month recovery period, according to Zolecki. On Monday, Lee told ESPN that if he needs surgery, his season would be done and possibly his career.

Lee was limited by a strained flexor tendon in his elbow last season, pitching in only 13 games. He went 4-5 with a 3.65 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 81.1 innings.

Lee is due to make $25 million this season. He has a $27.5 million team option for 2016 and a $12.5 million buyout.

- Molly Geary

GALLERY: CLASSIC PHOTOS OF CLIFF LEE

Classic Photos of Cliff Lee

Cliff Lee

Here are some classic photos of Cliff Lee, who has played for the Indians, Mariners, Rangers and Phillies (two stints) since joining the majors in 2003. Though he was drafted in 1997 and 1998, Cliff Lee chose to spend two years at Meridian Community College before pitching for the University of Arkansas in 2000. Lee went 4-3 with a 4.45 ERA in his one year with the Razorbacks.

Cliff Lee

John Reid III/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Lee made his major league debut against the Twins in September 2002. He earned his first win on June 30, 2003 (pictured), but returned to Cleveland's Triple-A team after the game. He rejoined the big league rotation in August.

Cliff Lee

Lee led the Indians with 161 strikeouts in 2004 in his first full year with the club. He also tied Jake Westbrook for a team-leading 14 wins. In this photo he has just been ejected for throwing at Ken Griffey Jr.

Cliff Lee

Lee led the AL in winning percentage in 2005, posting an 18-5 record.

Cliff Lee

The Indians southpaw threw consecutive 200-inning seasons in 2005 and 2006. He also received props from his teammates after laying down a successful sacrifice bunt against the Cardinals in this June 2006 game.

Cliff Lee

Lee struggled in 2007 after suffering a groin strain during spring training, but had at least one fist-bump worthy moment with first baseman Ryan Garko.

Cliff Lee

Lee was demoted and only pitched from the bullpen when he rejoined the Indians in September. He joined the team for spring training in 2008 without the assurance of a starting job.

Cliff Lee

Lee rebounded to post an incredible 22-3 record in 2008, leading the AL in wins and ERA. Lee won the Cy Young Award, was named the AL Comeback Player of the Year and made his first All-Star Game appearance.

Cliff Lee

Lee was traded to Philadelphia during the 2009 season, where he went 7-4 in 12 starts.

Cliff Lee

Pitchers are usually an easy out, but Lee hit a respectable .212 in 33 games for the Phillies in 2009, including this double.

Cliff Lee

Lee running to second base on a wild pitch on Aug. 19, 2009. Lee pitched a gem and the Phillies beat the Diamondbacks 8-1.

Cliff Lee

Lee looks on after stealing second base in the first game of the NLDS against the Colorado Rockies.

Cliff Lee

Lee carried the Phillies to the World Series in 2009 with a 1.56 postseason ERA.

Cliff Lee

The Phillies celebrate in the clubhouse after clinching the NL pennant with a victory in Game 5 of the NLCS at Dodger Stadium.

Cliff Lee

Lee answers questions in a press conference the day before the World Series starts. As Philadelphia's ace, Lee pitched the first game, facing former teammate C.C. Sabathia.

Cliff Lee

Philadelphia managed two victories against the Yankees in the 2009 World Series. Lee won both games.

Cliff Lee

Lee singles against the Yankees in Game 5 of the World Series.

Cliff Lee

Following the 2009 season, Lee was part of a complicated three-team trade and found himself in Seattle.

Cliff Lee

The Mariners hoped to make a run at the postseason in 2010, but injuries and poor performances by veterans quickly made those dreams unrealistic. Lee once again became a trade chip.

Cliff Lee

Lee answers questions in a press conference on July 9 after learning he has been traded to the Rangers.

Cliff Lee

The Rangers acquired Lee in July. He went 4-6 for Texas in the regular season.

Cliff Lee

Lee at the 2010 Home Run Derby with his children.

Cliff Lee

Lee looks on from the dugout during a 4-1 loss to the Angels.

Cliff Lee

Lee redeemed his slow start with Texas in the first two rounds of the postseason.

Cliff Lee

The Rangers celebrate a Game 5 ALDS victory that sent them to the ALCS.

Cliff Lee

Lee faced the Yankees in the postseason again, this time in the ALCS.

Cliff Lee

Lee beats Yankee Brett Gardner to the bag in Game 3 of the ALCS.

Cliff Lee

Lee and Gardner get tangled up after the race to first.

Cliff Lee

Lee was shelled by the Giants in the 2010 World Series, surrendering nine earned runs in 11.2 innings. He lost both of his starts.

Cliff Lee

Lee (center) chose to return to Philadelphia following the 2010 season, complementing a highly-touted rotation filled out by (left to right) Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels, Joe Blanton and Roy Halladay.

Cliff Lee

The Phillies signed Lee for five years at $120 million.

Cliff Lee

Lee stretches before a spring training game in Dunedin, Fla.

Cliff Lee

The Phillies' southpaw led the league with six shutouts in 2011, also boasting a 17-8 record and 2.40 ERA. Lee and the Phillies were edged out in the Divisional Series by St. Louis, the eventual World Series champion.